Germany celebrate as they see off Bulgaria for their first win of the 2011 FIVB Volleyball World League on Saturday

Varna, Bulgaria, May 28, 2011 - Germany scored a vital 3-2 (21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10) victory over Bulgaria in their opening 2011 FIVB Volleyball World League Pool B clash on Saturday night, their seventh win over the team in FIVB competition.

The visitors, who had a torrid lead up to the premier annual men's tournament following injuries to captain Andrae Bjorn as well as Georg Grozer and Lukas Bauer, defied expectations as the underdogs sealed the win over the world No.7.

Germany coach Argentinean Raul Lozano said that the secret behind the win was making sure Bulgaria were constantly pushed. His Bulgarian counterpart Radostin Stoychev however will go away from his first World League match in charge of the national side with many questions.

First set was a warning for the hosts but they did not listen well enough. Jochen Schops scored nine points, indicating what Germany was capable of. Viktor Yosifov and Matey Kaziyski however lead Bulgaria to the first set 25-21.

Feeling Bulgaria insecure, Raul Lozano made his move with putting Christian Dunnes as a substitute and wakening captain Kromm. Germany took advantage at point 10 and kept it till the end. An old weakness of Bulgaria gave them away - the reception of float serve.

It was an element that made Radostin Stoychev to put yougster Nikolay Penchev on the field event though he was with the team only for 3 days. Tsvetan Sokolov went on the court and put a little bit power in Bulgaria attack. Neither of those could not stop the power attacks of Schops, Kromm and Duennes. Germany was keeping the distanse close but won at the end - 2:1 (25:21).

Tasting the bitter, Bulgaria rose in the forth set. With Teodor Todorov joining Sokolov in scoring and a solution of stopping German head trio, host gave the joy to the crowd winning this one at 15 points for Germany.

More Kaziyski and Sokolov gave Bulgaria hope to be victorious. Yet another good move from Raul Lozano gave his team the victory with some smooth plays by Bohme and Kaliberda.

The Trentino coach, who has won back-to-back FIVB Volleyball World Club Championships, will look to boost his teams reception and rhythm ahead of their next match against Germany on Sunday at 15:00 GMT